For Immediate Release

April 24, 2024

(West Trenton, N.J.) -- Paddlers of all ages and experience levels are invited to register for the 29^th Delaware River Sojourn taking place June 15-22.

The Delaware River Sojourn combines guided paddling excursions, educational programs and camping. Participants may sign up for the entire trip or for the day(s) of their choice.

"The Sojourn is an outdoor adventure geared for everyone," said Mark Zakutansky, Director of Conservation Policy Engagement for the Appalachian Mountain Club and Chair of the Sojourn Steering Committee. "This year’s theme is River of Inspiration; generations of artists, outdoor enthusiasts, scientists and everyday people are inspired by their experiences on or along the Delaware River, and we plan to highlight these stories through our programming."

Over 85 miles will be paddled in 2024, split into daily trips ranging from eight to 15 miles. In brief, the Sojourn will paddle the following stretches:

• Saturday, June 15: Zane Grey, Lackawaxen, Pa. to Kittatinny Pond Eddy, N.Y.
  
  
• Sunday, June 16: Kittatinny Pond Eddy to West End Beach, Port Jervis, N.Y.
  
  
• Monday, June 17: Bushkill, Pa. to Worthington State Forest, N.J.
  
  
• Tuesday, June 18: Worthington to Ramsaysburg Historic Farmstead, N.J.
  
  
• Wednesday, June 19: Martin's Creek Access, Pa. to Phillipsburg, N.J. 
  
  
• Thursday, June 20: Tinicum Park, Pa. to Lambertville, N.J.
  
  
• Friday, June 21: Fireman's Eddy, N.J. to Yardley, Pa.
  
  
• Saturday, June 22: Bordentown Beach, N.J. to Pennsbury Manor, Pa. and back to Bordentown

"The Sojourn is a wonderful way to learn about and discover the Delaware River," said Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) Executive Director Steve Tambini and repeat sojourner. "By getting people out on the water and experiencing it first-hand, the Sojourn helps create stewards of this important natural resource."

Registration fees in 2024 are $100 per day for adults and $70 per day for children (ages 15 and under). There is an additional one-time insurance fee of $10 per person for this American Canoe Association (ACA)-sanctioned event, except for current ACA members. 

Registration fees cover the guided river trip, single or tandem kayak rental (with paddle and life jacket), shuttle transportation, educational programs, most meals and optional overnight camping sites. Participants may bring their own river-worthy boat, but please note that neither aluminum nor wooden canoes are recommended.

Adult paddlers new to the Delaware River Sojourn are invited to take advantage of the First-Time Paddler Program, which offers a discount on registration available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The Delaware River Sojourn appreciates the support of its donors and grantors. The regional supermarket cooperative ShopRite has sponsored the Delaware River Sojourn annually since 2013; individual donors also provide valuable support. The Sojourn receives grant funding from the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program and PPL. These funds help keep costs as low as possible for participants and support the Sojourn’s reduced fees for youth and its educational and First-Time Paddler programs. 

On the afternoon of Friday, June 14, the day before the trip begins, the Delaware River Sojourn and the National Park Service Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River are hosting a river cleanup. Volunteers will paddle from the Zane Grey Museum in Lackawaxen, Pa. to Barryville, N.Y. to pick up litter. Pre-registration is required through the Sojourn website; canoes and equipment will be provided.

Registration details, itinerary overview and Sojourn safety guidelines are available at https://delawareriversojourn.com/. Sojourners can register online using Paypal. Registration-related questions and first-time paddler discount availability inquiries should be directed to Dejay Branch at info@delawareriversojourn.com.

The Delaware River Sojourn is one of the longest-running programs of its kind. The non-profit, annual event is planned by a steering committee with representatives from federal, state and local agencies, non-profit organizations and individual volunteers. The DRBC has helped plan the event since its early years; Communications Specialist Kate Schmidt has served as the Commission’s representative since 2006.

[Delaware River Sojourn logo and photos available upon request]

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Contact: 

Kate Schmidt, Kate.Schmidt@drbc.gov

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